How to Get Into Nursing School: Your Step-by-Step Guide

From your compassionate nature to your hardworking tendencies, you’re starting to feel pretty confident about your prospects of launching a successful nursing career. The idea of supporting your family by doing what you’re naturally good at can sound far-fetched, but the truth is that kind of success could be within your grasp as a nurse.

As you begin taking the steps to make your nursing dreams a reality, it can be puzzling to know where to start. You’re likely all too familiar with some of the obvious tips, such as focusing on your studies and keeping your grades up while fulfilling the necessary prerequisites. But even with that in mind, starting nursing school can be a daunting experience — one made easier if you’re privy to all of the insider tips, tricks and facts you’ll need to dive into this career path.

One of the first stumbling blocks would-be nurses face is figuring out what they need to do to actually get into nursing school. To help you soar over this first hurdle, we created this step-by-step guide that will clue you in on all of the requirements that will be expected of you and how to prepare yourself for the process, building your confidence — and hopefully your resume — along the way.

6 Straightforward steps to get into nursing school

Are you ready to solidify your place as a nursing hopeful and begin seeking out the proper training and education? Aspiring nursing students who are looking for a simple play-by-play of the steps needed to get into nursing school have come to the right place. Check out the video below for an overview of the six steps you’ll need to take before you secure your student status.

1. Determine which type of nurse you want to be

While nursing may seem like a straightforward profession on the surface, there are a number of different levels and specialties within the field. The quickest path to becoming a nurse is becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). If you decide to go the LPN route, you will be qualified to administer medicine, check patients’ vital signs and perform a variety of tasks under a supervising registered nurse (RN).

If you’re looking for more medical duties, becoming an RN could be a more suitable path to take. RNs serve as a direct link to patients, expertly coordinating necessary medical care, education and support. You can become an RN with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Some RNs also opt to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN-qualified nurses often perform the same duties as those with an ADN, but they are also qualified for more leadership and management positions. Once you’ve earned your BSN, you still have options to advance your nursing career by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN), an excellent option for those who’d like to work in leadership or teaching positions within the field of nursing.

2. Determine which type of education you’ll need

As you inch closer toward determining the type of nurse you’d like to become, you’ll want to start looking into the specifics surrounding the educational commitment that will be expected of you. If you’re looking to become an LPN, for example, you can earn your diploma in as few as 12 months.

If you’re more partial to the job responsibilities and opportunities that could await you as an RN, you can earn your ADN in as few as 18-24 months, while the traditional BSN route is more likely to take as few as 33 months. If you’ve already obtained a bachelor’s degree in a different field and you’d like to pursue a BSN as your second degree, you can complete a program in closer to 18 months.

There is also an option for practicing RNs who are not yet baccalaureate-qualified to earn a BSN in as few as 18 months with online RN to BSN programs. And finally, if you’re hoping to take your career even further with an MSN, you’ll need to first earn your BSN and then complete at least another 18 months of schooling to become Master’s-qualified.*

3. Research different nursing programs

Some contend that narrowing down the nursing programs you’d like to attend can be even more nerve-wracking than the application process itself. The more research you do, the more you’ll realize that nursing programs are far from one-size-fits-all.

Accreditation: It is of utmost importance to make sure the programs you’re selecting have obtained the proper accreditation to be educating nurses. Without a degree from an accredited institution, you won’t qualify to sit for the NCLEX.

Curriculum: Since we now know that not all nursing programs are created equally, it’s important to examine a particular program’s approach to care. See if you can identify any particular nursing theories or types of educational models they operate upon and determine if those align with your professional goals.

Flexible learning options: If you’re looking for a program with flexible options — such as online or night classes — be sure to identify that early on in your process.

NCLEX success rate: If it’s not advertised on their nursing program information page, make a note to ask the admission representatives you speak to about the NCLEX pass rate of the school’s former nursing students. This can be a great indicator of how well the program prepares its students for life as a nurse.

Instructors’ nursing experience: Studying under highly qualified, experienced nurses is the best way to learn how to achieve the same kind of success for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask about a potential school’s faculty and their experience in the field.

Student support services: From the support you’ll need along your journey toward graduation to career search assistance after graduation, the student services offerings can be a big differentiator from one nursing program to the next.

4. Apply to your chosen programs

Once you’ve determined the type of nurse you’d like to become and have found programs that interest you, it’s time to apply. Filling out an application can seem daunting, but it can be helpful to remember that everyone with the same nursing goals as you has to do it at some point.

Also note that many nursing hopefuls find it useful to block off a few hours when it comes time to fill out an application. You will need to pay close attention to the application guidelines and any supplemental materials required of you, such as essays and letters of recommendation.

Be sure to also pay close attention to any deadlines listed on the program’s website and, if at all possible, submit your application early — it can help reinforce your eagerness and commitment, while also showing the school that you’re both prepared and reliable. This will also provide you with some extra time for the program personnel to contact you if any supplemental application materials are needed before the deadline.

5. Attend a nursing information session

Many schools will provide nursing information sessions for prospective students who are looking to learn more about their program. In fact, some of them require it if you plan to enroll in courses at their school.

At these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to meet some important members of the faculty, you will learn more about what you can expect from that particular program and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have. Even if this isn’t technically a requirement for your school of choice, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the program and prepare yourself.

6. Take the entrance exam

While some schools rely on other assessments to examine nursing candidates’ reading, math, science and English skills, most programs use the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). This is a standardized exam proctored through Assessment Technologies Institute.

If you weren’t too partial to standardized tests in grade school, the idea of taking another test of this nature may make you particularly nervous. Be sure to prepare yourself for the big day by taking practice tests online, forming study groups and reading up on expert tips to pass the test. Knowing what to expect is half the battle, and being well-prepared as you walk into the exam room will boost your confidence and help you succeed.

Take the first step toward your nursing career

Careers are often life-long decisions, so choosing a field you’re passionate about is important. If you truly believe nursing is your calling, then don’t wait to make an impact. As a nurse, you will be rewarded by the positive changes you’re able to make in your patients’ lives.

Now that you have an outline of what it takes to get into nursing school, it’s time to muster up the confidence to move forward. As you begin researching different nursing school requirements and programs to see what makes each unique, consider the helpful information offered in our article, “10 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Rasmussen College Nursing Program.”

*Completion time is dependent on the number of transfer courses accepted and courses completed each term.>EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in May 2014. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2018.

Anna is a Copywriter at Collegis Education who researches and writes student-focused content on behalf of Rasmussen College. She believes the power of the written word can help educate and assist students on their way to a rewarding education.

This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen College to support its educational programs. Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen College does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college.

Add your comment

Thank you for your comment. If it does not require moderation, it will appear shortly.

An error occurred during comment submission. Please try again later.

There are some errors in the form. Please correct the errors and submit again.

Name*

Please enter your name.

Email*

Please enter your email.

Comment*

Please enter your comment.

Comments

Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!

There are some errors in the form. Please correct the errors and submit again.

Request More Information

Talk with a program manager today.

Fill out the form to receive information about:

Program Details and Applying for Classes

Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify)

Customized Support Services

Detailed Program Plan

Step 1 of 3

What's Your Name?

First Name

Please enter your first name.

Last Name

Please enter your last name.

Step 2 of 3

Contact Information

Email Address

Please enter your email address.

Phone Number

Please enter your phone number.

ZIP Code

Please enter your five digit zip code.

Step 3 of 3

Program Preferences

Preferred Area of Study

Please choose a school of study.

Preferred Program

Please choose a program.

Preferred Degree Level

Please choose a degree.

Please check the box.

The program you have selected is not available in your area. Please select another program of interest.

By requesting information, I authorize Rasmussen College to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. There is no obligation to enroll.